Johnson a late scratch (UPDATED AT 2:23 P.M.)

The Nationals pulled Nick Johnson from the lineup right before the first pitch this afternoon (he was originally scheduled to hit second). I’m told Johnson was hitting 30 minutes before the game and seemed fine, and I don’t see him on the bench.

A club source told me this morning the Nationals didn’t offer Johnson for Manny Delcarmen last week, contradicting a report from ESPN.com earlier this week, but it seems clear they’re aware of the growing market for him. Is it possible they pulled the trigger on a deal for him? Could be. I’ll keep an eye on it and be back with more later.

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UPDATE AT 2:23 P.M.: The Nationals just announced Johnson was scratched with “stomach discomfort.” So it appears all is quiet on the trade front for now.